Video display system for locating a projected image adjacent a surgical field

Abstract

A method and apparatus for projecting an image of a patient to intersect a display screen which is nonperpendicular to an adjacent portion of an optical path and adjacent a sterile operative field. A video projector system and accompanying optics impart at least one of a tilted focal plane or depth of focus to the projected image. The optical path of the projected image is located adjacent the surgical field. An initially sterile display screen is located in the optical path adjacent the sterile field so that a normal to the screen is noncoincident with the optical path and the projected image on the screen is of constant focus across the screen. The initially sterile display screen may be degradable upon cleaning and resterilization so that a new screen must be used with each procedure, thus insuring the optical quality and sterility of the screen. The display screen may be supported adjacent the surgical field by an articulated rod assembly. The rod assembly may have an upper rod shaped like a "dog leg" for providing easy access by the surgical team for rotating and moving the system up and down. A lower rod of the rod assembly may be connected to the upper rod with a universal joint for adjusting screen location and quickly moving the display screen out of the surgical field.

Description

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine

Login to View More

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a video projection system designed for a sterile operating environment. The system includes a viewing screen that is placed near the surgical field and within the reach of the surgeon's hands. This allows for direct eye and hand coordination as they can watch the surgical field and their hands simultaneously. The system also facilitates communication by enabling manual referencing to the images on the screen to easily identify areas within the surgical field. Additionally, the system reduces fatigue of the surgeon by keeping the projected image adjacent the surgical field. In an embodiment of the invention, an endoscopic surgical field is displayed on the viewing screen, which is retained at a non-perpendicular angle to the projector. The system uses mirrors to locate the optical path of the projected image adjacent the surgical field, ensuring uniform focus of the entire image on the screen.

Problems solved by technology

The technical problem addressed in this patent is the limitations of current visual aid devices in surgery, particularly when performing minimally invasive procedures. Current options like direct eyepieces or beam splitters offer low resolution displays or require expensive equipment. Liquid crystal displays are another option but they lack depth perception and cannot show the entire surgical field. Additionally, these screens obstruct the surgeon's line of sight and limit mobility. There is a need for a high-resolution, disposable screen that matches the natural movements of the surgeon and provides better sterilization compared to traditional non-disposable alternatives. Furthermore, there is a need for a compact and easy-to-reposition screen support system that does not compromise its stability.

Images